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* Nacheyla walks downstairs, talking quietly with her little
yellow star. She moves to the front of the Hall (back?) and unlocks the
door.
<Nacheyla> Hall's open. * Nacheyla pours herself a cordial glass full of amber colored liquid <Nacheyla> ::swirls the liquor around in her glass, inhaling the fragrance:: Good evening. Come in. Amaretto, anyone? * Zoya comes in. She's moving somewhat stiffly, but with much more grace and life than the previous week. Her right hand is still carefully bound in bandages and gauze, however. * Glossaria enters, dress swirling around her ankles as she half-skips, half-walks through the door. "Good evening, Nacheyla, a fine evening, isn't it?" <Zoya> ::walking up to the bar and smiling:: Nacheyla! Haven't seen you for a few weeks! I'll take a cider, if you'd be so kind. <Nacheyla> Evening, dear... ::grins at Glossaria:: * Nacheyla pours Zoya a cider and hands it to her <Glossaria> ::smiling back:: What was that you said you were drinking? I'd like a glass, if I may. <Nacheyla> Sorry. Heard from Rhys that I missed a lot, but I got a request from an old friend to help a small town with a wraith problem * Nacheyla pours Glossaria a small glass of light brown liquor <Zoya> My thanks. ::takes the cider carefully in her left hand and drinks deeply:: <Nacheyla> It's Amaretto. Very tasty. My third husband liked it a lot and today would have been his birthday <Zoya> ::smiles good evening to Glossaria:: You're in excellent spirits. <Zoya> ::to Nach:: Wraiths? Nasty problem. I hope they weren't too troublesome. <Glossaria> Thank you. So... it's a liqueur? ::swirls her glass in imitation of Nacheyla, sniffing:: * Michelle enters. She's wearing a grey blouse with a burgundy skirt. * Michelle walks to the bar and perches on a stool. "Good evening everyone." <Nacheyla> Not too bad, really. I had a few moments when things were a bit tense, but it all worked out well. ::absently runs her fingers through her hair. It seems less grey, for some reason:: <Nacheyla> Yes. It's made from Almonds, I think. <Glossaria> ::nodding:: I think I can smell some sort of nut... interesting. I wonder how they ferment a nut? ::frowning in concentration as she takes a sip:: <Zoya> ::smiles a greeting to Michelle:: How are you tonight? <Michelle> What's that you're introducing Glossaria to? <Nacheyla> ::smiles at Michelle:: Evening... it's Amaretto... care for some? <Glossaria> ::smiling over her shoulder at Michelle before turning back to her glass:: <Michelle> Alright, given that I'm being hounded by my former landlord. And how are your wounds healing? <Glossaria> Hounded? ::faint smile:: Isn't that your *current* landlord's job? * Michelle brightens noticeably at the mention of Amaretto, "I don't suppose you know how to make an Amaretto sour do you?" * Zoya takes another swig of cider. "Oh, I'm healing pretty well - should be back to normal in a few more days, except for the hand. What's your landlord's problem?" * Nacheyla nods to Michelle and preps the drink, then hands it to her * Michelle covers her lips, "Good thing she isn't around that hear that." <Zoya> ::chuckles and nods, drinking more cider:: <Glossaria> ::frowning a little:: Did Lord Erdian not heal the hand, Mistress Zoya? * Michelle shrugs, "He feels I should pay him for the house since it was destroyed while I was living in it. Course it was also destroyed by my ex-husband and Yamato, but I can't recall whether that ever came up or not." * Nacheyla reaches into her vest and pulls out a small painting and sets it on the bar. She fills a glass with amaretto and sits it next to the glass. With a small sigh, she toasts the picture, then takes a small sip of her drink. * Michelle sips her drink and smiles in pure contentment. "I ALWAYS forget how good this drink is until someone reminds me." <Zoya> ::shrugs and picks at the bandages on her hand absently:: It's healing faster than normal, but slower than most of the other wounds. I don't know whether Erdian in his wisdom decided I needed a souvenir, or if it's because the wound is so severe... ::she shrugs:: <Glossaria> ::nodding:: M'lady Lisl did seem rather determined to be... thorough. <Zoya> ::smiles at Michelle:: Well - if I am to understand Lisl's story correctly - your ex-husband is no longer available to pursue for payments, and Yamato is... ::laughs:: You *do* seem the obvious candidate for hounding. * Michelle smiles, "Well as I said, I'm not entirely certain how many of those facts I remembered to pass on to my landlord. But since there isn't anyone else who can get stuck with the bill." <Zoya> ::chuckles:: Yes, she did. ::turns the hand over, starting to make a fist and stopping before the fingers close:: <Zoya> That's too bad, Michelle. I don't suppose your ex-husband had some assets that could be liberated toward the landlord's appeasement? <Glossaria> ::tipping her head to one side, considering, blinking a couple of times:: You know... by law, he can do nothing to you unless previously contracted. The house is his responsibility, minus the standard damage rider, unless he's made other... prearrangements on the basis of the... umm... occupant. ::smiling a little:: <Nacheyla> ::grins:: Given all the problems people have with houses around here, I'm mildly worried <Michelle> I don't even know how Lann got here. I was certain I'd killed him LAST time. And that was several worlds ago. * Michelle shrugs, "So you say Glossaria. But if I take it to the courts then I have to explain what Yamato's dead body was doing at the scene. It'll be easy just to pay the man off." <Zoya> ::looks concerned:: Is he likely to come back *again*? * Michelle shrugs and has another drink, "You're guess is as good as mine Zoya. I hope not. We're too evenly matched, and he's already demonstrated a willingness to drag Temire into it." <Zoya> ::frowns:: I think I missed something, there... Was *he* the one behind Temire's mess a few months ago? * Vallel opens the door and walks in. He is once again dressed in knee high boots, a frilly shirt, and a long blue swirly cape. <Nacheyla> Good evening, nephew. * Zoya smiles at Vallel. "Good evening!" <Michelle> I'm not sure if it was Yamato or Lann. Probably the both of them working together actually. But yes, they're the ones who trapped Temire in the mirror. Her death was an unrelated event. At least as far as I've been able to determine. Though the infernal that Lisl tracked to that house still hasn't been accounted for yet. * Nacheyla pours a glass of lemonade (complete with lemon wedges, don't ask how they came out of the spigot) <Glossaria> Vallel! ::grinning and pulling a stool close to her before patting it:: Come sit! <Vallel> Good evening Auntie. Priestess, ::nodding towards Zoya:: Miss Michelle... ::turns to Glossaria:: Good evening, dear. ::moves over to her and plants a light kiss on her cheek:: * Marten walks into the Hall, a slight frown on his face. He looks up and spots Zoya, and his frown is chased from his face by a broad smile. "Zoya! I'm sorry I'm running late." <Zoya> ::frowns:: Still? And it's been how long? That could come back to haunt us. * Vallel takes the lemonade and sips. <Zoya> ::smiles widely as Marten enters:: Marten! I'm glad you made it. * Nacheyla looks over at Marten. <Nacheyla> Glad to see you all together again. Rhys told me things got worrisome for a while... <Michelle> yes it could. but unless Lisl picks up the trail again there isn't much we can do. <Glossaria> ::smiling at Vallel:: Oh come now, you did better than that last night... ::taking his lemonade from him for a moment and setting it down so she can kiss him *properly*:: <Zoya> ::laughs, slightly harried:: "Worrisome" isn't the half of it, Nacheyla. * Vallel turns a vivid shade of purple, glancing out of the side of his eye at his aunt, then wraps his arms around his lady and kisses her back <Glossaria> ::smiles and sits back on her stool perkily:: There. Wasn't that much nicer? <Marten> ::walks over to Zoya, and turns to Nach:: Keep, what wines would you recommend tonight? Something red, preferably. <Michelle> imagine Yb on a really bad night. now have that go on for a month straight. <Nacheyla> ::rolls her eyes at her nephew, then pulls out a bottle of Jaret's special stock:: How about Arabellan? <Nacheyla> Or, I've got a good Chianti here, if you'd like to try that instead... <Glossaria> ::giggles at Nach's look and winks at Vallel:: Oh, come now, Michelle, surely it wasn't so bad.... being kidnapped was rather relaxing, actually... well, except for the beginning bit and the end bit.... * Zoya wraps an arm around Marten as his approaches and kisses his cheek:: <Marten> ::thinks for a moment, and smiles:: Chianti? You know, it has been awhile, and I'm not sure why. Pour away... ::he pauses, not filling in her name:: <Nacheyla> ::turns to Michelle:: Actually, Yb's not so bad. In small doses, from a safe distance. <Zoya> ::gives Gloss a significant look:: It wasn't relaxing on *this* end, in the slightest. <Nacheyla> Nacheyla... but I didn't expect you to remember... ::gets the bottle and uncorks it with a practiced motion:: <Michelle> That was why I specified on a bad night for a month straight. I'm actually amazed none of us had our hair turn white. ::Winks at Zoya.:: <Glossaria> ::looking chastened:: Sorry, Mistress. * Vallel hugs Gloss in a slightly worried clutch. <Vallel> It wasn't plums and sugar from my point of view either, my love <Marten> ::turns to Zoya, and looks only slightly uneasy with her kiss. He returns it, kissing her forehead:: <Marten> ::looks at Nach, squinting slightly:: Did... Moon Dancer didn't hire you, did he? <Glossaria> ::returning Vallel's hug:: I'm sorry, love. I didn't mean to worry you, really. I was so afraid you'd think it was your fault.... <Zoya> ::grins at Michelle in response to the hair comment:: * Nacheyla grins at Marten. <Nacheyla> Yes, he did. Just before he left town. He said he was going to be busy and wanted someone to look after things for a while. I never saw him again * Vallel looks quizzically at Gloss. <Vallel> Why would I think that? Even if it was Mistress Tyl's enemy who stole you away, I didn't hold up a sign saying "Wanted, Kidnapper" or anything... <Marten> ::smiles, and seems satisfied with her answer:: I thought he might have. Your face is familiar, but I knew if he had hired you, he didn't have his mind on the Hall. That was close to the time he had... other things to worry about. <Nacheyla> I can imagine. He offered me a rather substantial salary, so I knew he couldn't have been thinking clearly at all... ::grins:: Not that I'm asking for a paycut or anything... <Glossaria> ::looking rueful:: Your message had been in my hand for less than a day when I was taken. I was just... worried. * Vallel squeezes Glossaria's upper arm gently. <Vallel> I was worried. And angry. But everything's okay now <Marten> ::laughs:: Not at all. I wouldn't feel right suggesting such, either. Things have been... well, working in my... *his* absence. I don't feel right taking the reigns, at this point. <Michelle> Except the books. But they weren't working out when Moon Dancer was here either. <Nacheyla> ::takes another sip of her amaretto:: That reminds me. What should I tell the tax man? He was by this morning to collect the quarterlies... <Marten> ::looks at Michelle, and smiles:: No, they weren't. I remember those books with a great deal of contempt. 'Dancer hated the books. <Zoya> ::laughs:: Why don't you just hire an accountant and get it over with? <Glossaria> ::smiling, reassured, and leaning into Vallel as she turns her attention to the other conversation:: Hated books? ::sounding offended:: <Michelle> Give him whatever's in the strongbox. If he's not happy explain to him that he can take it up with are accountant Yb. <Nacheyla> ::laughs:: no self-respecting accountant wants to argue with his books. And these books will get up and walk away if they don't like what you've written down <Marten> ::looks at Gloss:: The accounting side of the books, Glossaria. I love reading, so don't fret. <Zoya> ::laughs:: Tyl probably knows some accountants who'd be willing to say whatever the books wanted, and make it all right with the tax-men, too. ::winks:: <Nacheyla> ::looks a bit concerned:: Well, actually he was inquiring about ownership of the Hall... <Marten> ::to Zoya:: An accountant? Here? Most people in Marsember avoid the Hall as if it were infected with a plague. How would I get an accountant here? <Marten> ::to Nach:: The books *are* still in the office, aren't they? <Glossaria> Accounting? ::frowning:: In the sense of figuring your book inventory, or something else? <Nacheyla> Last time I looked... but sometimes they hide... <Zoya> ::takes a swig of cider:: The accountant doesn't actually have to *account*, do they? Just... be respectable and put their stamp on them, so the tax-collectors won't look at things too closely. <Michelle> Well the obvious answer is to say that it's Marten. But that might get confusing since he doesn't answer to Moon Dancer. I don't suppose you all have the concept of stock or a cooperative? <Vallel> ::grins boyishly:: I've gotten an interesting reputation for being daring enough to come drink in here... Charoli... ::blushes:: nevermind <Marten> ::to Gloss:: Book inventory, balancing the sheets, making the numbers agree with what the Tax Authority expects. 'Dancer had quite a time of it. <Marten> ::looks at Michelle:: Say I'm the what? <Michelle> Owner. <Glossaria> ::turning to give Vallel an evil eye at close range:: Charoli *what*, dear? <Marten> ::to Michelle:: Of the Hall? * Vallel mumbles something under his breath, <Michelle> yes. <Marten> ::looks at Michelle for several moments, and frowns:: I don't know, Michelle. It doesn't feel right. Not yet, at least. Everyone else has done so much work here since Moon Dancer left. It wouldn't feel right to swoop in and claim ownership without word to Rhys, you, Nacheyla... <Glossaria> ::distracted again, giving Vallel a brief reprieve:: Balancing....? ::shakes her head:: I don't think you're talking about the same sort of book inventory I'm talking about. Could you begin at the beginning, please? <Marten> ::smiles:: I could, Glossaria. But, it's something better left to your studies. Read a few books on accounting when you return to the Tower if you really want to know. <Glossaria> ::frowning a little, dissatisfied, but nodding:: * Nacheyla spreads her hands. <Nacheyla> I'm not objecting to partial ownership or anything, but I'm not sure that's the right thing to do... <Zoya> It's just an expression, Glossaria. <Nacheyla> But the tax man had some questions about someone named Cean? I thought that was the man who died a few years back... I didn't know all the answers <Marten> ::looks at Nach, raising an eyebrow:: Isn't it? ::he pauses, looking at both her and Michelle:: What would you have done if Moon Dancer had never returned, and the Tax Authority had started demanding the balanced books? <Michelle> Michelle shrugs, "Like I said, I'd have given them whatever's in the strongbox. If they weren't happy with that I'd tell them to take it up with Yb. If they actually threatened to shut us down I'd have spoken to Tyl'gainia." * Zoya downs the last of her cider and looks disgusted. "If the taxmen had started moving in on this place, I'd have had to have it declared a holy site and taken it over for myself." She grins. "I love thwarting the tax collectors." * Vallel looks over at Michelle and grins. * Michelle nods to Zoya and has another drink, "That's actually a much better solution." <Vallel> Mistress Tyl has friends in the tax authority... she says there are no bigger thieves than civil servants <Zoya> ::grins:: There are certain advantages to being even a lackwit priest. <Zoya> ::laughs at Val's comment:: She's right, there! <Glossaria> ::blinking, looking from speaker to speaker as if she's watching a tennis match:: * Michelle meets Vallel's gaze, "If I catch wind of YOU trying anything like that I'll be sure to let your teacher know." <Glossaria> Ummm.... <Glossaria> Is this what's called politics? <Vallel> Oh, I'm a bad thief... <Zoya> ::to Gloss:: It's a start. <Zoya> ::glances from Val to Nach:: Tried it, have you? <Nacheyla> ::gives her nephew a stern look:: You'd better not be any kind of thief at all! <Michelle> No, tax collection is called bureaucracy. Politics is making deals with people who think they get to make decisions. * Vallel grins <Vallel> Tyl tried to teach me how to sneak a few weeks ago. She said she had better luck with that swordswoman, Temire <Marten> ::smiles at Michelle:: Seriously, though. Who would have owned the Hall if Moon Dancer were dead? <Glossaria> But outwitting tax collectors... is that politics? Doublespeak? Lying, cheating, and stealing? <Zoya> ::laughs:: Yes, all of that. <Michelle> Temire enjoys learning. She really doesn't seem to care what she's learning or from who. * Nacheyla consults a little notebook, where she keeps her notes <Glossaria> ::opening her mouth to speak, thinking a moment, and laughing instead:: <Nacheyla> Um... I hate to say this, but I have it written here that it goes to a pack of cats that live out in the alley. Would someone care to explain that to me? <Marten> ::looks at Nach:: A... pack of cats? <Nacheyla> ::shrugs:: That's what I was told... * Michelle thinks for a while, "Probably either Lisl or S'ayad'i. As far as I know they're the only ones still in town who actually knew Sealgair. Oh, and Drachnaerbaen, where ever he's wandered off to." <Marten> Odd. I wonder if that was some joke of Sealgair's... <Zoya> ::raises an eyebrow:: A pack of *cats*? ::blinks:: <Glossaria> Oh, dear... ::chuckling:: Mistress Lisl wouldn't like that.... * Michelle shrugs, "First I've heard of it." * Nacheyla checks her notes again. <Glossaria> Wait... didn't HallMaster Sealgair have offspring? ::frowning, as if something's tickling the back of her memory:: <Zoya> ::for the amusement of it:: Are cats a legal entity in Cormyr? What if they don't *want* it? <Marten> ::to Gloss:: Aye, he did. A... ::stops, thinking:: <Michelle> No idea. The only time I met him he wasn't exactly in a talkative mood. <Nacheyla> I have it written right here, Lhynnae, age 7, description, large yellow tabby, residence alley behind the Meadehall <Glossaria> ::tipping her head to one side:: Cats are considered sacred in some regions... <Marten> You know, I don't remember much about his children. Child. ::laughs at Nach:: That's right. Lhynnae... * Vallel looks very confused. <Vallel> His wife gave birth to a cat? Is he sure that was his child? <Glossaria> Lhynnae... that's the name of Cean Sealgair's daughter, in the records! Wait-- a *what*? <Marten> ::nods, smiling:: A cat. I don't remember how it happened, even, but Lhynn got turned into a cat. Or turned, even. I don't know. <Glossaria> ::frowning, muttering to herself:: I didn't know cats and humans could have offspring... hmm... another issue to pursue.... * Vallel blushes again <Marten> ::laughs at Gloss:: They can't, Gloss. Lhynnae wasn't born a cat at all. <Vallel> I wouldn't think it would fit... <Glossaria> ::grinning evilly at Vallel:: I think it depends which direction you're talking about.... * Vallel makes a face <Marten> ::looks sternly at both Gloss and Vallel:: Stop it, both of you. That's foul. <Glossaria> ::looking thoughtful:: And, after all, there are the so-called great cats... the records indicate a snow leopard frequented the Hall in Sealgair's time... <Michelle> No, it's feline actually. <Glossaria> ::looking at Marten innocently:: What? * Vallel blushes again <Zoya> ::raises an amused eyebrow at Marten's vehemence:: They're just joking, love. <Nacheyla> ::coughs:: <Glossaria> I am? Oh... um... I am! ::smiling artificially:: * Marten sighs, and throws up his hands. He picks up his wine and turns to Zoya. "I know, love. It's just... I worry about this place, and what's going to happen to it. I... somehow, I still feel responsible." * Michelle looks questioningly at Marten, "Or are you remembering stories about Catherine the Great?" <Glossaria> ::looking at Michelle interestedly:: Catherine the Great? Who was that? <Michelle> A ruler from my original world. <Zoya> ::lays a comforting hand on Marten's arm:: I understand. We'll think of something. * Nacheyla looks at Marten thoughtfully. <Nacheyla> I can't really speak for Michelle and Rhys, of course, but I would be willing to purchase a share of the Hall and have joint ownership with the other two 'keeps. I've been meaning to settle down for a while <Glossaria> ::lifting one shoulder in a shrug:: Master Marten, why should you have any objection to being a figurehead, if that's what these tax men need? <Michelle> I'd love to do the same, but I don't know how long I'm going to be here, and I don't have any money at the moment. * Vallel looks over at Michelle. <Marten> ::to Gloss:: A figurehead? ::sighs:: I don't deserve it, Glossaria. Everyone else did so much work while Moon Dancer was gone, and I'm only Moon Dancer in the most physical of senses. * Zoya stifles a comment. <Marten> ::looks at Nach, and Michelle:: Who said anything about *purchasing* the shares? <Vallel> Mistress Tyl was going to take me on a training mission as a favor to her brother in law to clear out some bandits who aren't paying their dues... you could come with us and help. There should be a good share of money in that <Michelle> How many of her other students is she planning on taking? <Glossaria> ::raising her eyebrows:: But, m'lord Marten, that's what a figurehead *is*. The term was derived from the wooden carving on the prow of a ship... the carving did nothing, but came to represent the ship in the minds of others. All you'd have to be is a block of wood! <Marten> ::laughs:: Thank you, Glossaria. I think I could live up to being a block of wood. <Vallel> Me and Charoli and Dallen <Glossaria> ::smiling:: I'd even speak sternly to the termites for you, if you'd like. <Michelle> What powers do you have between you? <Zoya> ::frowns:: Is an expedition really wise, with that trouble she's been having with Nilgathor? <Vallel> Well, you all know my specialty. And Charoli's a good teleporter. Dallen's still trying to find his marker. He's got the ability, he just can't focus yet <Glossaria> ::eyeing Vallel again:: Charoli, hmmmm? ::reminded of her gripe:: <Marten> ::smiles:: Bless you, love. <Vallel> ::shrugs:: I think she wants us out of town for a while, actually. A few days, nothing more <Michelle> Has Tyl'gainia taught any of you how to defend yourselves without your powers? <Glossaria> ::narrowing her eyes:: With Charoli? <Zoya> ::frowns:: It could still be trouble. Maybe you'd *better* go with them, Michelle - they might need someone around with a little more experience. * Vallel gives Glossaria a nervous look, then looks back at Michelle. <Vallel> I've gotten a few fencing lessons... <Glossaria> They might need a chaperone. ::darkly:: <Michelle> That was my thought. Though it's sounding like they could use Yohko's services more than mine. If they're taking on a bandit gang they're going to need some people who can keep the bandits off of them while they use their powers. <Zoya> ::raises an eyebrow at Gloss:: For a few *days*? You have duties here, Glossaria. <Zoya> ::laughs to Michelle:: Someone amongst your Thousands... ::grins:: <Glossaria> ::looking innocently at Zoya:: I didn't suggest *I* go. Just that Michelle keep an eye on Ch--umm... them. * Vallel looks flustered and opens his mouth a few times as if to say something, then closes it again <Zoya> ::smiles at Gloss knowingly:: I'm sure a close watch will be kept on all parties. <Glossaria> ::turning a vulture gaze on Vallel again, daring him to say something:: Yes? * Marten sips a little wine, and seems lost in thought. * Michelle smiles at Glossaria and Vallel. * Zoya covers a grin at Gloss and Val by taking a drink of cider. "Oh! I'm out! Nacheyla, would you be so kind?" <Nacheyla> Sure ::pours another drink and then looks at Vallel with a slight frown:: <Glossaria> ::remembering her drink, and turning away to take a sip:: * Zoya drinks some cider and watches Marten's brooding. * Vallel looks at Glossaria, then looks at the bottom of his cup. * Michelle sips her drink. * Nacheyla gestures a "come here" at Zoya... <Zoya> ::looks somewhat surprised at Nach, but leans over the bar:: <Glossaria> ::takes another sip:: * Zoya has a whispered conversation with Nacheyla. <Glossaria> Master Marten... I-- ::pausing, as if remembering something she'd been rehearsed in:: Forgive me if this is still a sensitive topic for you, but... <Marten> ::looks up, and frowns:: Please, go on Glossaria. <Glossaria> What exactly *did* happen to you? I mean, between Moon Dancer leaving, and you, now? <Marten> ::looks at Gloss:: Zoya hasn't explained it to you? * Zoya is having a very earnest conversation with Nacheyla, looking vaguely worried. <Marten> ::looks over to Zoya:: Did you try to tell her, love? About Masato, and all that. <Glossaria> She said... it was your story, and better left to you. <Marten> ::sighs, and looks back at Gloss:: <Glossaria> ::biting her lip a little, trying to hold her notebook inconspicuously in her skirts, her pencil hovering:: <Marten> It's a long story, Gloss. Can I sum it up, for now? <Glossaria> Umm... ::looking hopeful:: If "for now" means I get to grill you later, then... umm... yes? * Michelle sips her drink. <Marten> ::nods:: If you want it later, then yes, Gloss. For now, though... ::sighs:: You're right. Parts of it are still too fresh in my mind. * Vallel looks at Glossaria with affection, she looks earnest and interested... and very pretty <Marten> ::takes a large sip of wine, and slowly swallows it, collecting his thoughts. He sets the glass on the bar, and his finger absentmindedly circles the glass's edge:: <Marten> The short of it, Gloss, is that I was possessed. * Vallel comes up behind Gloss and puts his arms around her, resting his chin on her shoulder... <Glossaria> ::nods in a "go-on" gesture:: <Marten> ::raises an eyebrow:: Oh. You wanted more than that, then? <Marten> ::laughs:: Well, Masato was... a ghost, as you probably guessed. What was feral, animalistic about 'Dancer, he replaced. And he wanted revenge. <Glossaria> Revenge... for his bride's death? For his own? <Marten> ::frowns:: I don't know if he knew, really. He blamed everyone for the loss of his love, but in the end, he blamed her the most. I think... ::he sighs:: He loved Zoya, and when he was quiet, he saw her as Akiyata. He blamed her for betraying him, turning his back on him when she thought he would die. * Michelle sips her drink. * Zoya sits back from her conversation with Nacheyla, gives Glossaria and Vallel a worried glance, then looks over at Marten to listen to the story. <Glossaria> ::nodding:: * Vallel rather absently kisses the side of Glossaria's neck <Marten> ::he takes a sip of wine, to wet his throat before continuing:: When Zoya... ::he looks at her:: When Zoya killed him, his soul left, and what remained... ::he smiles:: Is me. <Marten> ::to Gloss:: What else do you want to know? <Glossaria> ::turns her head slightly, giving Vallel a small frown to remind him that he's still in the doghouse:: * Vallel whispers in her ear * Zoya meets Marten's brief gaze without smiling, then reaches almost involuntarily to touch the side of his face. * Michelle sips her drink. <Zoya> ::chuckles:: Asking Glossaria what she "still wants to know" is a dangerous question, love. <Glossaria> ::nodding and opening her mouth, pausing to shoot Zoya a wounded look:: The wolf cub... is that the... ::glancing down at her notes:: "feral, animalistic 'Dancer"? <Marten> ::turns back to Zoya, placing his hand on top of hers, keeping her hand on his face:: I know. But, if it gets too close, I'll stop. I can always tell her 'no more, for now.' * Nacheyla finishes off her drink, raises her empty glass to her husband's picture again, then drinks his drink too. <Nacheyla> Last call? <Marten> ::looks at Gloss:: I don't know, honestly. I haven't heard much about him, outside of mentioned visits by Lisl. * Zoya smiles slightly and nods, then gently pulls her hand away to finish the rest of her drink. <Glossaria> ::glancing up, distracted as Vallel whispers in her ear:: <Marten> ::looks at his glass, and nods:: Perhaps. ::he looks at Zoya:: Time for a trip home, love? <Zoya> ::to Gloss:: He seems to be, from everything Lisl and I have been able to find out. You may have to talk to her about that. <Zoya> ::to Marten:: Yes, I think so. Are you ready to go? * Michelle finishes her drink. <Glossaria> ::finishing her glass, and setting it down on the counter as she whispers in Vallel's ear in return, a small frown on her lips:: <Marten> ::nods:: I think so. ::turns back to Gloss:: Glossaria, if you're done with questions for the evening, I'd like to take your Master home. <Glossaria> What's this? ::looking down as Vallel presses a small box into her hand:: <Vallel> It's a present ::blushes:: Open it * Zoya sees the box, winces, and glances at Nacheyla helplessly. * Nacheyla looks over at Zoya... <Glossaria> ::tipping her head with a smile, sliding a finger around the box's seam and lifting the lid:: * Michelle shakes her head helplessly as she clues into the tension around her. <Marten> ::stands, smiling at Glossaria and Vallel. He offers his hand to Zoya:: Shall we, love? <Zoya> ::takes Marten's hand, but doesn't move.:: Wait a minute. I want to see this. <Marten> ::nods, and smiles:: As you wish, love. <Vallel> ::softly, to Glossaria:: Not immediately, you know. We both have a lot of training to do... but... ::turns her around to face him:: it would be the greatest honor of my life, if you would consent to be my bride... <Glossaria> ::Gasping and putting a hand to her mouth:: Vallel! It's so pretty! <Glossaria> Your... your... ::face paling:: * Zoya sighs almost soundlessly. * Michelle pours herself another drink and has a healthy sample. * Nacheyla reaches over and puts a hand on Zoya's arm, almost comfortingly <Glossaria> ..your bride? ::the question comes out on a whisper, and she half-turns, giving Zoya a stricken look:: <Zoya> ::glances back at Nach, and shrugs, smiling wryly:: * Zoya looks back at Glossaria, and raises an eyebrow at her. "Your decision, Glossaria." <Glossaria> Oh... ::taking the ring from the box and looking at it:: Vallel... you honor me. I-- I-- ::biting her lip:: I don't know... <Marten> ::Marten watches the exchange uneasily, and looks at Zoya. He whispers:: Were you expecting this? * Vallel smiles at her. <Vallel> You just think about it... I can wait. * Michelle has some more of her drink. * Nacheyla sighs. <Zoya> ::whispering back:: Only for the last few minutes, since Nacheyla told me. <Glossaria> ::smiling, and letting out a long sigh:: Thank you, Vallel. ::hugging him tightly:: * Zoya sighs, relieved that Gloss is going to take some time to make her decision. <Vallel> I'll walk you back to the Tower. Unless you want to stay with me. But I thought you might want some time to think... without me around, you know... <Marten> ::nods, and continues to whisper:: Good. I thought I was oblivious. <Glossaria> I... yes. ::smiling at him again, and leaning her head on his shoulder:: Thank you... for being so understanding. * Vallel offers Glossaria his arm. <Glossaria> This is just... ::laughing a little:: This is very new. <Vallel> Shall we? I think Auntie wants to close the doors and scream for a while... <Zoya> ::chuckles quietly:: No, I only had a few minutes' warning. Come on, I think we can leave, now. <Glossaria> ::standing and taking his arm, tucking hers into the crook of it:: * Nacheyla gives Vallel a mock-fierce glare. <Marten> ::nods:: Indeed. ::extends his hand to Zoya, smiling:: Let's leave; I have some things to discuss with you, as well. <Zoya> ::takes Marten's hand:: Oh? Such as...? ::accompanies him out the door:: * Vallel leaves <Glossaria> ::sighing deeply, as she leaves on Vallel's arm:: * Marten smiles as he lets the door close behind him. * Nacheyla looks at Michelle * Michelle raises her glass. "Well whatever decision she makes, I wish her more happiness than I found in my engagement." * Michelle knocks the rest of her drink back. <Nacheyla> Well, at least, at the moment, Vallel's not psychotic... ::grins:: * Michelle quirks an eyebrow. "I really hope you meant that as a joke." <Nacheyla> I've heard about your ex, Michelle... <Nacheyla> I just wish they weren't so young. But then, comparatively, everyone is young to me... <Michelle> He was never psychotic. ::sigh:: He was just willing to compromise himself for the good of others. Eventually it caught up with him. * Nacheyla nods * Michelle chuckles, "No. They seem far too young to me as well. But then, this world is so different from the one I grew up on." <Nacheyla> Well, I'll see you soon. We ought to get together with Rhys some time and decide what we're going to do about the ownership of the Hall... <Michelle> Quite true. Goodnight Nacheyla. * Nacheyla picks up the picture of her husband, kisses it softly and tucks it back in her pocket.
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